Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Calling All Reparative Therapy Success Stories

I'm going to be on the radio on Friday (Catholic Answers Live -- 7pm ET December 9) I fear that I might be asked about reparative therapy, father wounds, NARTH and all that jazz. I have never personally been involved with any of that, and I've heard a lot of bad press from the ex-ex-gay movement, and from various people that I know within the Catholic SSA community. I know that the reparative therapists themselves claim to have had lots of successes, and happy clientele, but I've never actually met one of these people or had a chance to talk to them about their experiences, so I feel that I'm rather in the dark when it comes to that side of the issue. I'm putting out a general call for reparative therapy clients to contact me and let me know about their experiences, good or bad. If you have been through this, or know someone who has, please send me a comment or e-mail me at melinda@vulgatamagazine.org. Thanks for the help.

2 comments:

Hi, I have a sister that has feelings for another person of the same sex. We are worried about her and have talked to her about it, she is in a negative position. So we just pray and pray hoping for a miracle. We don't want her to feel rejected because we love her. But what can we do if she continues with this relationship and even wants to go a little bit further, like getting married one day. What can we do? If we say yes is ok to bring your friend at home like any other "spouse or boyfriend/girlfriend" we think is wrong and is not going to help her at all... we are confused,desperated and concern. What's your advice?

Read the American bishops' letter "Always Our Children."http://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/human-life-and-dignity/homosexuality/always-our-children.cfmAlthough explicitly addressed to parents of gay children, its message is valuable for any family member, for gay people, and for all the faithful. A central part of what the bishops tell us is that we must continue to show love to gay family members; we must not reject them. There is a similar, more recent letter from the Canadian bishops.http://www.cccb.ca/site/images/stories/pdf/ministry-ssa_en.pdf

Melinda Selmys

About the author

Columnist and author Melinda Selmys speaks directly to every Christian who has experienced same-sex attraction or knows someone who has. This blog expands on her new book, Sexual Authenticity, and continues to share her personal story of her Catholic journey. Email questions or comments to webmaster@osv.com and we'll forward.